10-17-2008
Comments Requested for Special Ash Tree Pesticide Registration

MADISON--Ash tree owners, tree care specialists and urban foresters will be able to better control emerald ash borer in ash trees under a special pesticide registration proposed by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Under this proposed registration, licensed pesticide applicators could inject the insecticide TREE-äge (TREE-ahzh) into the trunks of ash trees (Fraxinus species) to control emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis). The larvae, or immature stage, of this metallic green wood-boring beetle feed just under the bark and disrupt the ability of the trees to transport water and nutrients. This causes the trees to starve and eventually die, often within two to four years.

The special registration process allows the state agriculture department to register pesticide products without prior federal approval, giving the states flexibility to control a plant disease or insect outbreak. EAB has been spreading throughout the midwestern United States, including Illinois, in recent years. In August, the presence of EAB was confirmed in southeastern Wisconsin. Wisconsin has more than 5 million ash trees in its cities and towns and 765 million ash trees throughout the state's forested areas.

EAB is a highly destructive insect on ash trees. It feeds exclusively on ash trees and infestations result in death regardless of size, age, or health of the trees. Some insecticides currently registered for use on ash trees target the adult beetles and not the larvae. Study results from Michigan State University researchers found that TREE-äge showed promising control of EAB and the application method provides advantages, such as less risk of water contamination and contact with wildlife since the product is injected into the tree.

Currently, TREE-äge is only registered for use in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and West Virginia. The insecticide contains the active ingredient emamectin benzoate and is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. A different product containing this ingredient, Proclaim Insecticide, is currently registered for use in various agricultural crops in Wisconsin.

If approved, the special registration will remain in effect for one year.

The preliminary environmental assessment indicates the proposed registration will not require a full environmental impact statement.

For a copy of the environmental assessment, contact Matt Sunseri, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911, (608) 224-4547 or review the assessment at the department, Mon.-Fri., 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 2811 Agriculture Dr., Madison, 2nd floor. Comments received on or before 4:30 p.m., October 31, 2008 will become part of the preliminary environmental assessment record. Send comments to Matt by mail at the above address.
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